BRA asked Foyle to bat at a sun soaked Castle Grounds and would have been just a little concerned as the Foyle openers settled in quickly with runs coming freely.

The BRA cause was not helped by opening bowler Michael Wilson conceding 14 extras (8w 6nb) in his first 3 overs as the openers Matthew Orr (38) and Andrew Austin (12) put on 46 in under 8 overs.

The partnership was broken by Connor Boyd who tempted Andrew Austin to drive to Moffett who held a smart catch in the covers.

With Jack Burton taking over from Wilson claiming 2 wickets for 16 and Francis Collins spin at the other end claiming 4 for 12 in his 4.3 overs.

BRA had a vice like grip on the Foyle batting line up. Top scorer Matthew Orr was fifth out but none of the lower batsman was able to reach double figures.

Next highest scorer was ‘Extras’ with 23, something that the BRA coaching staff will surely address before the next match.

However the Foyle total of 97 was below par and would prove hard to defend.

If it was Collins and Burton with the ball then it was them again with the bat as they opened the BRA innings with a partnership of 57.

Collins (32) edged Knight behind to Austin and one run later Burton (24) was brilliantly caught at extra cover by Dean McCloskey off Cameron Knight.

Connor Boyd (15*) and Samuel Osborne (15) took the total to 82 before the third wicket fell. Bradley Luney fell within one hit of victory and in a final twist there was a run-out with the scores tied.

Max Burton finished the game with a boundary to mid-wicket and with more than 7 overs to spare BRA were comfortable 5 wicket winners.

Ulster Bank Schools’ Cup Quarter-Final At Castle Grounds 12 May 2016

Belfast Royal Academy defeated Foyle College by 5 wickets.

Foyle College - 97 (23.3 overs, Matthew Orr 38, Francis Collins 4-12, Connor Boyd 2-12, Jack Burton 2-16)

Belfast Royal Academy - 101-5 (27.4 overs, Francis Collins 32, Jack Burton 24, Cameron Knight 2-31)